Insulin pump

Insulin pump
Paradigm insulin pump 530g, showing an infusion set loaded into spring-loaded insertion device called serter. A reservoir is attached to the infusion set (shown here removed from the pump).
Insulin pump in use
Diabetic child wearing a state-of-the-art insulin pump (referred to as a "patch pump"). His waterproof device needs no one infusion set

An insulin pump is a medical device used for the administration of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy. The device configuration may vary depending on design. A traditional pump includes:

  • the pump (including controls, processing module, and batteries)
  • a disposable reservoir for insulin (inside the pump)
  • a disposable infusion set, including a cannula for subcutaneous insertion (under the skin) and a tubing system to connect the insulin reservoir to the cannula.

Other configurations are possible. More recent models may include disposable or semi-disposable designs for the pumping mechanism and may eliminate tubing from the infusion set.

An insulin pump is an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin by insulin syringes or an insulin pen and allows for flexible insulin therapy when used in conjunction with blood glucose monitoring and carbohydrate counting.